Nigeria and hosts Morocco will battle for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Saturday, following hard-fought wins in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
In Casablanca, Nigeria ended South Africa’s hopes of defending their title with a close 2-1 win.
The deciding goal came deep into added time when a lofted free-kick by Michelle Alozie slipped through the defense and goalkeeper, finding its way into the net.
Earlier, Nigeria had gone ahead just before the break through Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty.
South Africa responded with a spot-kick of their own in the 60th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo to level the score at 1-1.
Meanwhile in Rabat, Morocco overcame Ghana in front of their home fans. Ghana had taken the lead midway through the first half thanks to Stella Nyameke.
However, Morocco came back into the match after the break when Sakina Ouzraoui scored the equaliser. The game went into extra time, and with no winner in sight, penalties were needed.
Morocco kept their composure to win 4-2 in the shootout, booking a place in their second straight WAFCON final.
Morocco will now face Nigeria, who are aiming for a tenth title, at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
The third-place match between Ghana and South Africa will take place a day earlier on Friday in Casablanca.
This year’s tournament had originally been scheduled for 2023, but it was delayed to avoid a clash with the women’s football event at the Paris Olympics.
The next edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is also planned to be held in Morocco next year.